"It’s a lot of running, crying, sore muscles, painful massages - it’s horrible but this is my sixth pre-season including Southampton now and you get used to it.

WORKING HARD: The Ox is putting his the tough yards ahead of next season [GETTY]

“It is horrible! The first week is hell. We’re on day two now and it’s hard work”

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

"You know what you’re in for and I think that’s why you enjoy your holiday whilst you have the chance because once you come back here it’s not too much fun for the first three weeks until you get back into the season."

Arsenal are set to travel to Singapore for their pre-season tournament which includes Everton or Stoke.

And, the Ox is looking forward to getting back into match action.

He continued: "You have to push yourself hard to get back to Premier League standards and level of fitness.

"Playing Premier League teams like Everton or Stoke, whoever it may be, is obviously a good test for us and will get us back to where we need to be."